Few astrological terms have become as well-known as the Mercury retrograde. Every time this planet enters its apparent retrograde motion, the media, social media and conversations are filled with stories of computer glitches, delays, misunderstandings and cancellations.

But is all this true?;

Should we really be afraid of Mercury in retrograde, or is it one of the biggest myths in modern astrology?;

The reality is considerably more complex. Mercury retrograde is not a period of disaster, nor does it mean that everything will go wrong. On the contrary, it can be an excellent opportunity to review, re-examine and rectify important matters.

In this guide, we will look at what Mercury retrograde is, why it happens, how it is interpreted in astrology, and what the most common misconceptions surrounding this phenomenon are.

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What is Mercury in retrograde?;

From an astronomical point of view, Mercury it doesn’t actually move backwards.

Retrograde motion is a optical phenomenon.

As the Earth and Mercury orbit the Sun at different speeds, it appears as though Mercury slows down, stops and then begins to move in the opposite direction.

In fact, the planet continues on its orbit as normal.

Astrology makes symbolic use of this phenomenon, holding that, whilst it is in effect, the functions associated with Mercury are expressed differently.

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What does Mercury symbolise in astrology?;

To understand Mercury in retrograde, we must first understand what the planet itself symbolises.

Mercury is associated with:

• communication,
• the thought,
• reason,
• learning,
• the documents,
• the agreements,
• travel,
• technology,
• the information,
• trade.

Consequently, when a retrograde motion occurs, it is these particular areas that usually require greater attention.

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How often does a retrograde occur?;

Mercury goes retrograde around three to four times a year.

Each period lasts approximately three weeks, not counting the days during which the planet slows down before its retrograde motion or gradually returns to its normal motion.

In astrology, these transitional periods are called stops and quite a few astrologers consider them to be just as important.

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Who is most affected?;

Mercury in retrograde does not affect everyone in the same way.

The extent of this influence depends on many factors, such as:

• the sign in which the retrograde motion takes place,
• the constellations through which it moves,
• the faces it forms,
• the planets it aspects in one’s personal birth chart,
• the houses that are activated.

That is why two people may experience the same period in completely different ways.

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What might we notice during Mercury’s retrograde?;

This period is often associated with a need to pay greater attention to matters of communication and organisation.

The following may occur:

• delays,
• misunderstandings,
• changes to the programme,
• postponements,
• technical problems,
• errors in documents,
• need for corrections,
• the return of people or unresolved issues from the past.

That does not mean that all of this will necessarily happen.

Astrology describes possible trends rather than certainties.

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Is this a bad time for new beginnings?;

This is perhaps the most widespread myth.

It is often said that during Mercury retrograde, one should not sign contracts, buy electronic devices or embark on new collaborations.

In fact, the answer is not quite so clear-cut.

There are times when a fresh start is essential and cannot be put off.

In such cases, it is usually preferable to pay greater attention to the details, to check the documents carefully and to ensure clear communication between all those involved.

Mercury in retrograde does not prevent you from making decisions. It does, however, serve as a reminder of the importance of careful thought and proper preparation.

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A period of review

If there is one word that best describes Mercury in retrograde, it is review.

This is a period during which the following are favoured:

• the corrections,
• the revisions,
• the completion of outstanding matters,
• the re-evaluation of plans,
• the organisation,
• a return to older ideas that deserve a second chance.

Often, Mercury in retrograde doesn’t hold us up. It simply gives us time to notice something we’d overlooked.

Myths and truths about Mercury in retrograde

Mercury in retrograde has taken on almost mythical proportions in recent years. There are dozens of exaggerated claims circulating online that often cause unnecessary anxiety.

Let’s see what the situation really is.

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Myth: Mercury in retrograde only brings disaster.

Fact:

No.

This period is not a harbinger of misfortune.

It’s just that certain issues relating to communication, organisation and information require greater attention.

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Myth: I should never sign contracts.

Fact:

If possible, many astrologers prefer to avoid signing important documents whilst Mercury is in retrograde.

However, life goes on.

If an agreement is to be reached, it is best to examine all the terms carefully and avoid making hasty decisions.

The final assessment always depends on one’s personal birth chart and other planetary influences.

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Myth: We never buy electronic devices.

Fact:

There is no hard and fast rule.

It makes sense, however, to pay closer attention to guarantees, specifications and terms of purchase, as Mercury is symbolically associated with technology and communication.

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Myth: Exes always come back.

Fact:

During Mercury’s retrograde, it is likely that people or situations from the past will resurface.

However, this does not mean that it will happen to everyone, nor that every reconciliation is destined to develop into a long-term relationship.

Astrology takes many more factors into account before reaching such a conclusion.

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Myth: Everyone is affected in the same way.

Fact:

No.

The influence depends on one’s personal birth chart and on how Mercury in retrograde relates to each person’s planets and houses.

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What can you do whilst Mercury is in retrograde?;

Although there are no hard and fast rules, quite a few people make the most of this time to:

• tackle outstanding issues,
• organise their commitments more effectively,
• correct mistakes,
• reconsider earlier plans,
• reconnect with people from the past, when this has real significance,
• sort out documents or files,
• set aside time for self-reflection.

Mercury retrograde is not necessarily a period of slowdown.

It is often a period of improvement.

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Mercury retrograde in the natal chart

Apart from transits, quite a few people are born with Mercury in retrograde.

In this case, it does not mean that they will constantly face difficulties in communicating.

In astrological tradition, it is believed that the way of thinking and processing information operates in a more internal or different manner.

The interpretation depends on:

• the zodiac sign,
• the house,
• the views,
• fate,
• dignities,
• the overall structure of the birth chart.

No definitive conclusion can be drawn from the retrograde indication alone.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Mercury in retrograde a bad thing?;

No.

It is a natural astrological period that emphasises review, reassessment and improvement.

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How long does it last?;

Usually around three weeks, not including the days before and after the retrograde phase, during which the planet slows down or returns to its normal motion.

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Does it affect all the zodiac signs?;

Yes, but not in quite the same way.

This influence depends on each person’s individual birth chart.

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Do I need to change my plans?;

Not necessarily.

What is needed most is proper preparation, careful attention to detail and avoiding hasty decisions.

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Could it also lead to positive developments?;

Of course.

Many important corrections, reconnections, problem-solving moments and creative ideas tend to arise precisely during Mercury’s retrograde.

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Conclusion

Mercury in retrograde is not a planetary «enemy» that we should fear.

This is a period during which astrology urges us to slow down a little, to re-examine what we took for granted and to pay greater attention to communication, information and our decisions.

How each person experiences this period depends on their personal birth chart and on the other astrological influences that are simultaneously at work.

That is why general predictions cannot replace a personalised astrological analysis.

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Would you like to find out how the next Mercury retrograde will affect you?;

The influence of Mercury retrograde is different for everyone. It depends on the planets, houses and degrees in your personal birth chart, as well as on the other transits currently taking place.

If you want to know exactly how the most significant planetary movements affect you and which periods warrant particular attention, you can request a written professional astrological analysis.

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If you’d prefer us to discuss your chart in detail, answer your specific questions and focus on the influences affecting you at the moment, you can book a personalized astrological session.

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